check engine CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2017 3.G Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
360 Vehicle Care
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center(DIC) message displays, check theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior tostarting. Remove the dipstickand check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, theengine must be off for at least15 minutes if the engine iswarm, or at least 30 minutes ifthe engine is not warm. Pull outthe dipstick, wipe it with a cleanpaper towel or cloth, then push itback in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, andcheck the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatchedarea at the tip of the dipstick andthe engine has been off for at least15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of therecommended oil and then recheckthe level. See“Selecting the RightEngine Oil”later in this section foran explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcasecapacity, seeCapacities andSpecifications0468.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for the location of the engineoil fill cap.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
362 Vehicle Care
trash or pouring it on the ground,into sewers, or into streams orbodies of water. Recycle it by takingit to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer systemthat indicates when to change theengine oil and filter. This is basedon a combination of factors whichinclude engine revolutions, enginetemperature, and miles driven.Based on driving conditions, themileage at which an oil change isindicated can vary considerably. Forthe oil life system to work properly,the system must be reset every timethe oil is changed.
On some vehicles, when the systemhas calculated that oil life has beendiminished, a CHANGE ENGINEOIL SOON message comes on toindicate that an oil change isnecessary. SeeEngine OilMessages0152.Changetheoilassoon as possible within the next1000km (600mi). It is possible that,if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate thatan oil change is not necessary forup to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least onceayearand,atthistime,thesystemmust be reset. For vehicles withoutthe CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage, an oil change is neededwhen the OIL LIFE REMAININGpercentage is near 0%. Your dealerhas trained service people who willperform this work and reset thesystem. It is also important to checkthe oil regularly over the course ofan oil drain interval and keep it atthe proper level.
If the system is ever resetaccidentally, the oil must bechanged at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)since the last oil change.Remember to reset the oil lifesystem whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever theengine oil is changed so that thesystem can calculate the nextengine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oilchange. It will not reset itself. Toreset the engine oil life system:
1. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thevehicle does not have DICbuttons, the vehicle must be inP(Park)toaccessthisdisplay.SeeDriver Information Center(DIC) (Base Level)0145orDriver Information Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0147.
2. Press and holdV,orthetrip
odometer reset stem if thevehicle does not have DICbuttons, for several seconds.The oil life will changeto 100%.
The oil life system can also be resetas follows:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
2. Fully press the acceleratorpedal slowly three times withinfive seconds.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 363
3. Display the OIL LIFEREMAINING on the DIC. If thedisplay shows 100%, thesystem is reset.
If the vehicle has a CHANGEENGINE OIL SOON message and itcomes back on when the vehicle isstarted and/or the OIL LIFEREMAINING is near 0%, the engineoil life system has not been reset.Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid (6-Speed
Transmission)
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to checkthe transmission fluid level. The onlyreason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheatedtransmission. If a small leak issuspected, then use the followingchecking procedures to check thefluid level. However, if there is alarge leak, then it may be necessaryto have the vehicle towed to a
dealer service department and haveit repaired before driving the vehiclefurther.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
automatic transmission fluid listed
inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Change the fluid and filter at thescheduled maintenance intervalslisted inMaintenance Schedule0452.Besuretousethetransmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids andLubricants0462.
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Caution
To o m u c h o r t o o l i t t l e f l u i d c a n
damage the transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too
little fluid could cause the
transmission to overheat. Be sure
to get an accurate reading if
checking the transmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level,prepare the vehicle:
1. Start the engine and park thevehicle on a level surface.Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake andplace the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brakepedal, move the shift leverthrough each gear range,pausing for about

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
364 Vehicle Care
three seconds in each range.Then, move the shift lever backto P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500–800 rpm) for at leastone minute. Slowly release thebrake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running andcheck the transmission fluidtemperature on the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)0145orDriverInformation Center (DIC)(Uplevel)0147.
6. Using the transmission fluidtemperature reading, determineand perform the appropriatecheck procedure. If thetransmission fluid temperaturereading is not within therequired temperature ranges,allow the vehicle to cool,or operate the vehicle until theappropriate transmission fluidtemperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as areference to determine if thetransmission has enough fluid to beoperated safely until a hot checkprocedure can be made. The hotcheck procedure is the mostaccurate method to check the fluidlevel. Perform the hot checkprocedure at the first opportunity.Use this cold check procedure tocheck fluid level when thetransmission temperature isbetween 27 °C and 32 °C (80 °F and90 °F).
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of theengine compartment, on thepassenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull outthe dipstick and wipe it with aclean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing itback in all the way; waitthree seconds, and then pull itback out again.
4. Check both sides of thedipstick and read the lowerlevel. Repeat the checkprocedure to verify the reading.
5. If the fluid level is below theCOLD check band, add onlyenough fluid as necessary tobring the level into the COLDband. It does not take muchfluid, generally less than 0.5 L(1 pt). Do not overfill.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 365
6. Perform a hot check at the firstopportunity after thetransmission reaches a normaloperating temperature between71 °C to 93 °C (160 °F to200 °F).
7. If the fluid level is in theacceptable range, push thedipstick back in all the way,then flip the handle down tolock the dipstick in place.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check thetransmission fluid level when thetransmission fluid temperature isbetween 71 °C and 93 °C (160 °Fand 200 °F).
The hot check is the most accuratemethod to check the fluid level. Thehot check should be performed atthe first opportunity in order to verifythe cold check. The fluid level risesas fluid temperature increases, so itis important to ensure thetransmission temperature is withinrange.
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of theengine compartment, on thepassenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
2. Flip the handle up, then pull outthe dipstick and wipe it with aclean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing itback in all the way; waitthree seconds, and then pull itback out again.
4. Check both sides of thedipstick and read the lowerlevel. Repeat the checkprocedure to verify the reading.
5. Safe operating level is withinthe HOT cross hatch band onthe dipstick. If the fluid level isnot within the HOT band, andthe transmission temperature isbetween 71 °C and 93 °C(160 °F and 200 °F), add ordrain fluid as necessary tobring the level into the HOTband. If the fluid level is low,add only enough fluid to bringthe level into the HOT band.It does not take much fluid,generally less than 0.5 L (1 pt).Do not overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in theacceptable range, push thedipstick back in all the way,then flip the handle down tolock the dipstick in place.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 367
When to Check and What
to Use
The hydraulic clutch fluid reservoiris filled with DOT 3 brake fluid asindicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0354for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch fluidreservoir to make sure the fluid levelis at the MIN (minimum) line on theside of the reservoir. The hydraulicclutch fluid system should be closedand sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check thefluid level or to top-off the fluid level.Remove the cap only whennecessary to add the proper fluiduntil the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine,see“8-Cylinder Pickup Models”under“Engine Air Cleaner/Filter”inthe Duramax diesel supplement forthe correct inspection andreplacement procedures.
The engine air cleaner/filter is onthe passenger side of the enginecompartment. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing andinspecting the engine air filter, seeMaintenance Schedule0452.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have theengine running with the engine aircleaner/filter housing open. Beforeremoving the engine air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine aircleaner/filter housing and nearbycomponents are free of dirt anddebris. Remove the engine aircleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shakethe engine air cleaner/filter (awayfrom the vehicle), to release loosedust and dirt. Inspect the engine aircleaner/filter for damage, andreplace if damaged. Do not cleanthe engine air cleaner/filter orcomponents with water orcompressed air.
To i n s p e c t o r r e p l a c e t h e e n g i n e a i rcleaner/filter:
1. Screws
2. Electrical Connectors
3. Air Duct Clamp
1. Locate the air cleaner/filterassembly. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0354.
2. Disconnect the outlet duct byloosening the air ductclamp (3).
3. Disconnect the electricalconnectors (2) and theconnector harness from thecover.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 369
Warning (Continued)
keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any engine
cooling fan.
6.0L V8 Engine
1. Coolant Surge Tank
2. Coolant Surge TankPressure Cap
3. Engine Belt-Driven CoolingFan (Out of View)
{Warning
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle isfilled with DEX-COOL®enginecoolant. This coolant is designed toremain in the vehicle for 5 years or240 000 km (150,000 mi), whicheveroccurs first.
The following explains the coolingsystem and how to check and addcoolant when it is low. If there is aproblem with engine overheating,seeEngine Overheating0372.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
370 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. If using this mixture,nothing else needs to be added.This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F), outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F), enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0462.
Never dispose of engine coolant byputting it in the trash, or by pouringit on the ground, or into sewers,streams, or bodies of water. Havethe coolant changed by anauthorized service center, familiarwith legal requirements regardingused coolant disposal. This will helpprotect the environment and yourhealth.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located inthe engine compartment on thepassenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0354.
The vehicle must be on a levelsurface when checking the coolantlevel.
5.3L V8 Shown, 4.3L V6, 6.0L V8,
and 6.2L V8 Similar
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe coolant surge tank. If the coolantinside the coolant surge tank isboiling, wait until it cools down. Thecoolant level should be at or above

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
372 Vehicle Care
4. With the coolant surge tankpressure cap off, start theengine and let it run until theengine coolant temperaturegauge indicates approximately90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the propermixture to the coolant surgetank until the level reaches theFULL COLD mark.
5. Replace the pressure captightly.
6. Verify coolant level after theengine is shut off and thecoolant is cold. If necessary,repeat coolant fill procedureSteps 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
If the vehicle has the Duramaxdiesel engine, see the Duramaxdiesel supplement.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The vehicle has several indicatorsto warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperaturegauge in the vehicle's instrumentcluster. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e0133.
In addition, there are ENGINEOVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLEENGINE, and ENGINE POWER ISREDUCED messages in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeEngine Cooling System Messages0152andEngine PowerMessages0153.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. SeeRoadside AssistanceProgram0476.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.
4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2LV8 Engines
Check to see if the engine coolingfans are running. If the engine isoverheating, the fans should berunning. If they are not, do notcontinue to run the engine and havethe vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Vehicle Care 373
Warning (Continued)
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOPENGINE or the ENGINEOVERHEATED IDLE ENGINEmessage, along with a low coolantcondition, can indicate a seriousproblem.
If there is an engine overheatwarning, but no steam is seen orheard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine canget a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.To w s a t r a i l e r ; s e eTr a i l e rTo w i n g0318.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE or the ENGINEOVERHEATED IDLE ENGINEmessage appears with no sign ofsteam, try this for a minute or so:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral)andlettheengine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge isno longer in the overheat zone or anoverheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safevehicle distance from the vehicle infront. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normallyand have the cooling systemchecked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is still no sign of steam andthe vehicle is equipped with anengine driven cooling fan, pushdown the accelerator until theengine speed is about twice as fastas normal idle speed for at leastfive minutes while the vehicle isparked. If the warning is still there,turn off the engine and get everyoneout of the vehicle until it cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for five minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.